The Aromahead Blog - Aromatherapy Education and Resources

The Benefits of Green Cleaning

Every day, we’re exposed to toxins and chemicals in our environment. You can’t control what you’re exposed to outdoors and in public, but when it comes to your home, you can take major steps to eliminate environmental toxins.

Why is green cleaning important?

Your home is your nest and your sanctuary from the world. No matter how much time you and your family spend at home, it’s worth it to make it as healthy a space as possible.

Using chemical cleaners can be tough on your immune system, asking your body to be "on guard" against harsh toxins. In some cases, they can even cause sensitivities, such as allergies.

Keeping your home clean is supposed to remove germs so you feel healthier, not make you feel LESS healthy!

As part of your efforts to make your home healthy and comfortable, consider ways to green the way you clean.

What does green cleaning mean?

Next time you’re at the store, pick up a spray can of bathroom cleaner. How many ingredients do you recognize? How many of them appear to be chemicals with long, complicated names?

Over the past few decades, we’ve been taught to associate cleanliness with harsh disinfectants and abrasive “clean” smells.

The truth is, you don’t need those unrecognizable ingredients to clean your home. You don’t even need them to kill germs like those that cause the flu.

Green cleaning is using ingredients derived from nature to do the same job that those spray cans and bottles of bleach do.

When you decide to adopt a green cleaning routine, you can make your own cleaning products or you can shop for safe cleaning products created by independent businesses.

When you avoid using toxic chemicals in the home, you’ll cut down on indoor air pollution from chemical fumes. You’ll also reduce irritation that can come from skin contact with chemicals.

If you or anyone in your family suffers from asthma or allergies, cutting down on chemicals may go a long way toward relieving those symptoms. I've seen many cases where simply replacing chemical cleaners with essential oils versions has reduced allergy symptoms . . . and even cleared them up entirely.

An allergy is a way that your body can react to something it doesn't like. Your body tries to tell you it's not happy by experiencing symptoms such as inflammation, congestion, and sneezing. Chemical cleaners can sometimes bring these symptoms on, but essential oils are known to ease these symptoms and support immunity.

Just imagine . . . you can get rid of germs, calm your allergies, and support your health at the same time!

How can you get started with green cleaning?

For many households, the cheapest and easiest route is to make several key products at home. You don’t need much more than vinegar, baking soda and essential oils to keep your entire house clean.

When it comes to cleaning with natural products, you may have to use a little elbow grease. Products that work “like magic” without involving any wiping or scrubbing are only effective because of corrosive, toxic ingredients. When you clean with green products, you may have to use your hands and really scrub . . . but you’ll know that you’re not getting toxic chemicals on your skin or the surfaces in your home that you, your kids, or your pets come into contact with.